* Iranian claims of jet range dismissed Iran's claim of having increased the range of its fighter jets, allowing them to fly as far as Israel and back without refueling, did not signify any new operational abilities, an arms expert said.

* Israel's Dog in the fight in the Georgian War Israel was considering to suspend all further military shipments to embattled Georgia, fearing possible retaliation with Russia which is on good terms with two of the Jewish state's arch enemies in the region, Syria and Iran.

* Ethiopian Jews call for continued immigration An estimated 5,000 Ethiopian Israelis demonstrated outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on Sunday to protest against the government's decision to end aliya from the country as 8,700 Falash Mura remain in rundown camps in northern Ethiopia.

* Pope urges fight against racism Pope Benedict XVI has urged Christians to help society combat intolerance to foreigners amid a row over criticism of the government by Roman Catholics.